Strict safeguards are in place to ensure the proposed P58.32- billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for 2027 is distributed equitably and free from political favoritism, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) said Wednesday.

The allocation marks the largest local government support allocation in Philippine history.

LMP president and Echague, Isabela Mayor Faustino “Inno” Dy V said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) established clear guidelines to ensure that provincial, city, and municipal governments receive their fair share regardless of political affiliation.

“Guard rails have been put in place by the DBM to ensure the equitable and proportionate distribution of the LGSF among all provincial, city and municipal governments, in keeping with the directive of the President that the release of such funds for all local governments nationwide should be free from partisan interests,” Dy said.

The mayors’ group expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the historic funding allocation, which Dy described as an equity tool designed to limit patronage politics and strengthen local development.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto previously confirmed the outlay represents the highest LGSF figure recorded by the national government.

Under DBM guidelines, local executives can select from a specific menu of eligible programs, including the distribution of 10 kilograms of free rice every two months to nearly eight million Filipino families.

The funds may also finance farm-to-market roads, municipal water systems, health facilities and multipurpose evacuation centers for disaster response.